Here are a few practical strategies to avoid holiday stress and maintain your emotional well-being in case you hit a bump or two along the way.
Photo: Nicole Michalou/PEXELS
Family Features - Stress and parenting go hand in hand, but during the holiday season, many parents find their stress levels rising to new heights. Between coordinating schedules, shopping, traveling and managing children's expectations - plus the disruption to the school routine that everyone had finally settled into - the season can feel more like mayhem than merry.
However, by thoughtfully planning and implementing a few practical strategies, parents can protect their well-being and support their families. Early childhood experts from The Goddard School share guidance to help parents stay grounded and make the most of their meaningful family moments this holiday season.
Clarify Priorities
One of the most empowering steps is to decide in advance what truly matters to your family. Consider:
Which traditions or gatherings are nonnegotiable?
Are there holiday events you can skip this year without regret?
What obligations are you taking on out of habit rather than genuine desire?
By reducing the number of "must-do" activities, you can avoid overextending your family. It's OK to decline invitations when your calendar is already full.
Establish a Budget
Holiday spending can weigh heavily on your mind. Create a family holiday budget that includes gifts and activities, then stick to it. Use the opportunity to teach your children about responsible spending and gratitude. Remember, the most meaningful gifts are often those made with time, attention or creativity, not the highest price tag.
Set Boundaries
Stress often arises when family dynamics, expectations or traditions clash. You can reduce this by setting boundaries and communicating them early. Speak openly with the relatives and friends you'll see about what's comfortable for your family and what isn't (e.g., physical space, travel, topics to avoid). Let your children know what to expect, as the lack of routine during this time can be particularly challenging. Modeling clear boundaries helps your children learn to express their own needs, too.
Prioritize Your Physical and Emotional Health
Amid the hustle, your own basic care often slips, but your well-being is key to being present for others. Consider establishing routines, such as:
* Sleep: Aim for 7-8 hours per night whenever possible.
* Nutrition: Keep healthy staples in the mix, even if treats abound.
* Movement: A short walk, stretch breaks or gentle exercise may help reset your nervous system. Stepping outside can be especially helpful.
Also, if illness strikes, listen to your body and give yourself permission to pause. Pushing through tends to backfire.
Design a Stress Rescue Plan
Even the best-laid plans don't prevent tension or unexpected emotional triggers. Anticipate stress by creating fallback strategies. For example, plan to use a playlist, a quick breathing exercise or a sensory object to help you regroup when your stress escalates. These strategies work for children as well.
If you're worried about unwanted questions - such as a family member asking about politics or your plans to have another child - rehearse your response in advance with a friend. When these stressful moments arise, having a toolkit gives you a sense of control.
Unplug and Be Present
Screens are omnipresent. While they serve a purpose, they can be an unwelcome distraction, especially when you're spending time with loved ones you don't get to see often. Try to designate screen-free times, such as during meals, after dinner or when gifts are being exchanged. Use screens intentionally, such as video calling out-of-town family members, rather than passively scrolling. Focus on in-person connection by playing games, telling stories, making crafts or taking walks. Remember to lead by example, as your children are watching. Being fully present at key moments is the one gift your family will remember above all else.
As the holidays approach, the pressure to do it all can loom large. By clarifying priorities, setting boundaries and safeguarding your health, you can minimize stress and maximize joy. That said, even with careful planning, things can go off course, and that's OK. Practice self-compassion and allow for imperfections. Enjoy every laugh, surprise and even the occasional moment of calm.
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Tags: Listen to your body if you get sick, create fallback strategies in case plans fail, Don't worry if things to go perfect, Many parents find their stress level rise during the holiday season, Giving meaningful gifts are better
The Lady Timberwolves advance to state volleyball title match after a win over Tremont. Addison Lucht led the T-Wolves with 14 kills.
NORMAL - Cissna Park advanced to the state title match after defeating the Tremont in straight sets, 25-19, 25-20, at the IHSA Girls Volleyball State Finals at Illinois State University’s CEFCU Arena in Normal. It is the first time the Lady Timberwolves have reached the championship match since 2014.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Kendyl Neukomm hugs sister Josie after their semifinal win over Tremont.
While it was an unseasonably warm day outside, inside the arena, the T-Wolves were hot, warming up for a run to a state title easily handling Turks with their offensive firepower.
Cissna Park posted 19 kills in the first set and 15 in the second, with Addison Lucht leading the team with 14 kills, seven digs, and two aces. Josie Neukomm added 10 kills and five digs, while Ella Schluter set up 14 assists. Mady Marcott distributed a match-high 16 balls, keeping the offense moving efficiently.
Tremont managed just 16 kills across two sets, eight in each. Nora Parson contributed five kills, three blocks, and three aces. Hayden Alwerdt had four kills and three digs, Kaylee Johnson set up 11 assists, and Carly Whitcomb recorded 10 digs. The Turks kept the first set close through the first 26 points, trading sideouts with Cissna Park, but a three-point run followed by a four-point surge gave the Lady Timberwolves a 19-14 lead they would not surrender.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Turks Kaylee Johnson back sets the ball during the second set. The senior setter entered the final four on Friday with 481 assists to her credit.
The second set was more competitive early on, but Cissna Park’s consistent offense and momentum proved decisive. Balanced scoring and strong team distribution helped the Lady Timberwolves maintain control and secure the win.
With this victory, Cissna Park returns to the state championship match, looking to capture its first state volleyball title since their previous deep run in 2014. Tremont, while competitive in stretches, could not overcome the T-Wolves’ scoring runs, ending their season in the semifinals.
Cissna Park will play for the state championship Saturday at CEFCU Arena, hoping to convert semifinal success into a historic title.
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Cissna Park volleyball, IHSA girls volleyball, Tremont Turks, Illinois high school sports, state finals volleyball
CHAMPAIGN - The Illinois men’s basketball team notched an 84-65 win over Colgate on Nov. 14, 2025, improving to 4-0 on the season. While the final score reflected a balanced team effort, forward David Mirkovic delivered the night’s defining performance, showcasing a level of interior dominance rarely seen in the college game.
Mirkovic controlled the paint and established himself as the premier player on the floor throughout his 38 minutes.
His final stat line underscored his efficiency and relentlessness. He finished with 27 points on 8-for-16 shooting and went 8-for-8 at the free-throw line. He also pulled down 21 rebounds, posting a massive double-double that neutralized Colgate’s interior presence.
Eight of his rebounds came on the offensive end, creating several second-chance opportunities that fueled Illinois’ scoring runs and wore down the Raiders’ defense. He added three assists, strengthening his impact as a complete offensive contributor.
The performance was a definitive statement, reinforcing his status as one of the Illini’s most reliable forces and a player capable of carrying the team through challenging stretches as Illinois continues its early-season momentum.
For over 25 years, Alan Look has documented the soul of the Midwest — from Friday night lights to roaring chrome, from agricultural grit to locomotive legends. See more of more thoughts and photos from Alan Look on his blog at Best Look Magazine.
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TAGS: David Mirkovic double-double Illinois vs Colgate basketball recap, Illinois Fighting Illini 4-0 start 2025 season game summary, Colgate Raiders vs Illinois dominant interior performance Mirkovic, Illinois basketball standout player stats David Mirkovic 2025, NCAA men’s basketball early season Illinois vs Colgate analysis
